Assignment A: Energy in Sustainable Development Goals

Coursework: Assignment A: Energy in Sustainable Development Goals Background information

Assessment of this Sustainable Development module consists of two items of individual student work:

1. Assignment A: Energy in Sustainable Development Goals This document provides details for this assignment.

2. Assignment B: Towards a Sustainable Future. Details of assignment B are available in a separate document.

Together these comprise 100% of the assessment for this module, with a weighting of 30% (assignment A) and 70% (assignment B). Both assignments are compulsory and must be submitted.

Each assignment has a separate submission deadline, such that assignment A is completed during the timetabled module learning period and assignment B is completed at the end of the timetabled learning period. Assignment A is due on or before 23.59 hours UK time of 14 th November, 2019. 

The significant use by a student of other people's work and the submission of it as if it were his or her own is regarded as plagiarism.
Work which is not undertaken in an examination room… but which is nevertheless required work forming part of the degree... must be the
candidate's own and must not contain any plagiarised material. The University takes a very serious view of students who are found to have committed an academic offence in an examination or assessment. It is essential that, from the outset of their studies, all students clearly
understand that the deliberate commission of an academic offence renders them liable to expulsion from the University. 

In this module you will find that the world economy is on an unsustainable path and fundamental changes will be required to create sustainable pathways. In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and associated targets. These goals build on the Millennium Development Goals and are presented as a ‘plan of action for people, planet and prosperity’. The goals if fully  realised will transform our world for the better by 2030. Energy has risen to prominence in recent times within global debates and one of the SDGs now focuses on energy. In addition, energy has an implied role in some other SDGs as well. It is therefore important to
understand the role for energy contemplated within SDGs and recognize the challenges in achieving them by 2030.

The core requirement of the assignment is for you to demonstrate that you have gained a critical understanding of sustainable development as it is discussed in academic and policy literature, and, from the evidence provided, as it is practiced particularly in the area of energy. This assignment assesses your progress in developing the skills of material selection, structuring an essay and referencing. It also assesses your understanding of the subject and your ability to present your ideas in a coherent manner. This assignment encourages you to 1) think about the role of energy in SDGs, 2) identify the main issues that may arise in achieving SDGs relevant to energy (i.e. SDG7 and other
SDGs where energy plays a role) and 3) suggest any possible ways of overcoming these challenges

Background information

1. Select at least two academic, peer-reviewed journal articles of your choice, published after 2015/16, dealing with the role of energy in the SDGs.
2. Write a short paper, not exceeding 1000 words (excluding bibliography and abstract), to critically analyse the articles selected in step 1 to discuss the role of energy in the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the main issues that may arise in achieving the SDGs that are relevant to energy (i.e. SDG 7 and other SDGs where energy is relevant) and suggesting any possible solutions to the issues. Your paper
should demonstrate that you meet the learning outcomes listed below and that the workis in accordance with all of the notes and guidance that follow. You can use, with appropriate citation and referencing, the materials available on the Blackboard and your own further reading to write the paper. 

Learning outcomes

Successful completion of this coursework will demonstrate:
1 Understanding and critical awareness of the concepts of sustainable development and/or sustainability as encountered in current research and policy debates;
2 Ability to use relevant information to explain and defend arguments 5
3 Deliver appropriate and balanced conclusions
4 Ability to structure argument in a clear, concise and appropriate style for a postgraduate academic essay
5 Demonstrate appropriate referencing skills.

Assessment will be based on the extent to which the learning outcomes listed above have been met, and the extent to which the above instructions, notes and guidance are complied with.

To achieve a ‘marginal pass’ of 50% to 54%: you should select appropriate documents and use these to address the assignment; demonstrate a grasp of the material sufficient to enable a basic response to the task; demonstrate some ability to engage in critical appraisal; demonstrate some appreciation of appropriate presentation, citation and logical structure.

To achieve a ‘pass’ of 55% to 59%: you should produce a coherent response to the task undertaken demonstrating a sound critical understanding of the sustainable development debate; demonstrate clear evidence of skills of critical appraisal; demonstrate good
appreciation of appropriate presentation, citation and logical structure, and adhere to the notes and guidance provided with this assignment.
To achieve a ‘good pass’ of 60% to 69%: you might select interesting documents or an interesting mix of documents to demonstrate an ability to synthesise material and reveal good skills of critical analysis and insight; also a very good level of presentation, citation and logical structure, also careful and thoughtful adherence to the notes and guidance provided with this assignment. 

To achieve an ‘excellent pass’ of 70% or greater you must demonstrate an authoritative insight, critical analysis or synthesis of ideas in your critical appraisal, demonstrating a very good level of presentation, citation and logical structure, and carefully and thoughtfully
meet the assignment requirements as described in this document. Work failing to meet the above criteria will be awarded a fail and further work would be required to reach the pass level. The table below provides an indication of weights of marks for different elements of the report